Chris Blackwell

Small biography

Christopher Percy Gordon, formally known as Chris Blackwell, is an English businessmen and former record producer. He was born on 22nd June 1937 in Westminster, London (today aged 75).

After spending most of his childhood in Jamaica, Blackwell was sent to Britain for further education at Harrow public school on England.


1958 was the year that Blackwell had formed a record label, with a $10,000 investment from his parents. The name for the label was taken from Alec Waugh's novel Island in the sun, there for creating Island records.


Island records became one of the most successful label's of the 1980's with artists such as, Traffic, Grace Jones, U2, Bob Marley, Cat Stevens, King Crimson, Millie Small, The Spencer Davis Group and many more.

Typical thing Blackwell done

Chris Blackwell created his own record label named Island Records.

Blackwell had discovered and produced many acts/artists including Millie Small, Bob Marley, Grace Jones, Roxy Music, Robert Palmer, Lake and Palmer, The Spencer Davis Group and many more.

                                      
- Millie Small was only 15 when Blackwell had produced her, with a cover of Barbie Gaye "My boy lollipop". Millie's version became a big hit and sold worldwide.

(Video of My Boy Lollipop) 










Choices he made
At first Blackwell started off with recording and selling Jamaican music in Jamaica, then he had returned to England in 1962 to expand his business further.

Blackwell decided to change the Island Record label to pink to created a different look.
Chris also collaborated with Trojan records for a bigger market in reggae music.






The Spencer Davis Group was found by Blackwell in a small club up in Birmingham after being told to check out the band. They were originally named The Rhythm and Blues Quartette The Group had influenced Blackwell so much that he began to focus on rock acts.

                                                       

 

 

 

 

 

Why he is where he is now
Chris Blackwell has progressed through his career as he took risks that other producers did not, such as changing looks in the labels, signing a variety of artists and had changed music genues such as Jamaican, rock and reggae. For him to take these risks means that he could learn from any mistakes that these changes may bring, although these changes turned out successful and progressed music by introducing new faces, music and opportunities.